Michael Flatley kicks off his new darts column this week by previewing some big events coming up in the area.

OVER the next few weeks there are several big darting events and competitions.

Halliwell Conservative Club runs weekly competitions every Friday and Sunday when you can often see some of the best darters in Bolton and it is always a great atmosphere.

Entry is just £1 and is welcoming to new and old players.

Draws are made at 9.15pm so be sure to get your name in and enjoy what is usually an excellent night with some great company.

The annual Beverly Bynoe blind mixed pair’s darts knockout will also be at the Halliwell Conservative Club on Thursday October 22.

This is a competition close to many darters' hearts as it is in memory of one of our own darters, Alan Butler, who is battling cancer.

Alan is a player who only a few months ago I played at a local competition and I got my backside kicked as he was on great form, reaching the semi-final.

He is a friend of many of the town’s darters. The event will be £2 entry fee which will also include a raffle and a football card with all the proceeds going to Alan and his family.

Any donations for the raffle are welcome. The draw will be made at 8.30pm and if you need any information on how to offer raffle prizes or about the competition you can contact Jean Burns on 01204 841697 or 07742077880.

The next big darting exhibition we have coming up is one for Bolton Wanderers and darts fans alike.

We are pleased to announce that The Bolton Brawl will be coming to The Venue on Churchgate in Bolton town centre on Wednesday, October 21.

This will be a chance to meet a darting legend, two-time BDO world champion Ted 'The Count' Hankey, and a legend of the town, the man who contributed to arguably the greatest era in Bolton Wanderers' history, Sam Allardyce.

Not only is Big Sam a former footballer and football manager he is also a former UK Open entrant when it was hosted back at the Reebok Stadium.

Hosted by Paul Wilson, the event will include an evening of darts, fun, a question-and-answer session and a free raffle.

You could also be in with a chance of facing them on the oche too.

Tickets are £10 which include a free first pint and some supper.

You can collect tickets from The Crofters Arms on Halliwell Road, The Venue Bar in Churchgate and Darts Corner, the Bolton-based business and the largest darts supplier in |Europe which is situated on Watermead Works, Slater Lane.

They are also the perfect place to buy any darts and you can see any darts before you buy them.

If you have any queries about the event contact The Venue on 01204 371886.